TheApple

It seems to me that Christians who teach are a valuable asset to the community.  And to society as a whole.  Salt and light, and all that.  We have an awesome responsibility, charged with molding those young heads full of mush.

But is it enough?  Should someone who cares about the kingdom of Jesus Christ be satisfied to "work within the system"?  Or should we all try to find jobs in private schools, where we can really express ourselves?

Are we really making a difference, blooming where we are planted?

 Dear wjoerob,

I truly believe that the most important lessons in life are learned in only two ways: experience and example.

If you are a teacher in a public school, the only way that you should try to influence your students in religious/spiritual matters is by your example, not by proselytizing (inducing others to convert to one's faith.)

But a shining, good example is a powerful inspiration.

Regards,

John

Well, I am a new one here but I am glad I opened this topic first. 

I currently teach in a private school so I primarily deal with 'churched' kids. 

That being said, I graduated from a public school and was blessed to have many Christian teachers.  I knew they were Christians and they greatly encouraged me.  Did they stand at the front of the room and talk about God?  No.  They couldn't.  But, if they were asked, they would unashamedly admit that they were and they would offer advice based on that belief.  I couldn't begin to count the number of conversations I had with my high school Brit Lit teacher.  All of my high school science teachers were Christians which was great because though they had to teach evolution, they would not test us over it and gave students full reign to write papers and do experiments in support of creation or in refute of evolution as long as they had solid science.

So, yes, you can make a difference.  A great difference.  It may only be one student at a time, but that's the same amount of impact you would have in a private school.